The Sponsorship Scheme for the Multi-Family Houses in Government Housing Estates for Displaced Persons "KTIZO" was announced today by the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, noting that the project aims to address the housing issues of those residing in 358 refugee settlements across free Cyprus.
In a statement to reporters at the Presidential Palace after the Cabinet meeting, the President of the Republic said that "the safety of citizens and their living in decent conditions is a fundamental human right, which the Republic of Cyprus must respect and safeguard. Today, following my pre-election announcement in relation to our refugee policy, we are taking the first important step to ensure this right to hundreds of families living in apartments in Government Housing for Displaced Persons.
As you know, the first apartment buildings were built under the suffocating pressure of the dramatic conditions caused by the Turkish invasion in 1974.
As you know, the first apartment buildings were built under the stifling pressure of the dramatic conditions caused by the Turkish invasion in 1974. At that difficult time, in the early years of the tragedy, the priority of the State was rightly to offer a quick solution to our compatriots who lost their homes.
Some of these apartment buildings have completed their life cycle and will have to be demolished and rebuilt. Many others need renovation.
The "KTIZO" Sponsorship Scheme for Multi-Family Houses in Government Housing for Displaced Persons, which we are announcing today, aims to address the issues I mentioned above for all our fellow citizens living in 358 refugee settlements across Free Cyprus. The Project, which was presented in detail today by the Minister of Interior and decided at the Council of Ministers, is costed at €130 million and will have a ten-year implementation timetable. The State will bear the major part of the expenditure, which will be supplemented by a very small contribution from the beneficiaries, based on ever relevant criteria.
The Project is part of the overall housing policy of the State, which is being updated in order to be able to respond to the current circumstances. I recall that our housing strategy is also being formulated on the basis of our election manifesto through specific policies for modernization of institutions and programmes/plans, with a focus on the establishment of a Single Housing Authority and there will soon be announcements to this effect, all relevant programmes to come under a single Housing Authority.
Today's decision is particularly important because it lays the foundations for the creation of more dignified living conditions for hundreds of families of our fellow citizens. We are here to provide solutions and we have the determination and courage to effectively address the challenges before us. I congratulate the Minister of Interior and his colleagues in the Ministry, particularly in the Department of Planning and Zoning for a job well done and in record time, and I appeal to everyone to work together so that we can successfully implement this important project."
(PM/EP)
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